Method for determining and representing an optimal arrangement and installation of a radiometric measuring system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for determining and presenting an optimized arrangement and assembly of a measurement system of process measurement technology, especially of a radiometric measurement system, at a container or pipe, in which measurement system at least one characterizing parameter of a medium contained in the container or pipe is to be measured. 
     The method proceeds with the aid of at least a first electronic computer ( 10 ) and a second electronic computer ( 11 ) connected therewith and containing a display- ( 12 ), a processor-controlled, data processing- ( 15 ) and an input-device ( 13 ), wherein container- or pipe-specific data and information on medium and on expected measurement range are taken into consideration. The method establishes therefrom an optimized arrangement of the measurement system at or on the container or pipe and presents this arrangement in a sketch. 
     The invention produces at greatest possible speeds the optimized design of the measurement system, also respecting safety aspects, and this in direct contact between a customer and a manufacturer of such a measurement system, or a project planer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a method for determining and presenting anoptimized arrangement and assembling of a radiometric measurementsystem, or a measurement site, of an industrial process measurement-and/or process control-installation, which measurement system serves forthe measurement of at least one process variable or process parameter.

BACKGROUND

Such measurement systems for an industrial process measurement- and/orprocess control-installation are, for example, those which are placed ator in a container or pipe and with which process variables or processparameters, such as e.g. pressure, difference pressure, fill level,limit level and/or density of a medium in the container or pipe areregistered or determined. The way and manner, in which these processvariables or process parameters are registered or determined, is knownper se.

In this connection, particularly radiometric measurement systems formeasuring a characterizing parameter, such as e.g. fill level, limitlevel and/or density of a medium, include essentially at least oneradioactive source of radiation and at least one detector, which isusually associated with a transmitter, which in turn transmits thesignals corresponding to the measurement parameters to a control room ormeasurement station.

According to a usual method for determining an optimized arrangement ofa radiometric measurement system at a container or pipe, a customer, ora representative of a customer, that desires to buy and install such aninstallation, transmits the requisite container, pipe and/or medium datafor determining the arrangement of the radiometric measurement system,mostly by telephone facsimile, to a manufacturer of such radiometricmeasurement systems. At the manufacturer, an appropriately schooled teammember uses the data transmitted from the customer and thecharacterizing data of the components offered by the manufacturer tocalculate at least one arrangement for a measurement system and sendsthe customer a corresponding proposal for the design of the measurementsystem.

The disadvantage of the usual method resides in its being time consumingand its requiring in many cases further correspondence.

Another method for determining an optimized arrangement of a radiometricmeasurement system at a container or pipe is one where a manufacturermakes a suitable software available to an interested customer. Thissoftware can be installed at the customer's location on a computer, sothat the customer can itself calculate the desired arrangement of theradiometric system.

It has become apparent that, in this method and especially in theoperation of the software at the customer's location, exact knowledge ofthe different measurement procedures, for example that of fill levelmeasurement and particularly the radiometry and the physicalfundamentals associated therewith, as regards radiationprotection-relevant regulations, etc., is assumed to be present, but inmany cases is not. Since the design of the system is done by thecustomer itself, the manufacturer of such measurement systems is usuallynot responsible for damages, which are caused by incorrect measurementsystem design done by the customer itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, consequently, an object of the invention to avoid theabove-mentioned disadvantages and to provide to the customer, as quicklyas possible, also with respect to safety aspects, an optimized design ofa measurement system from industrial process measurement technology, forexample a measurement system for fill level measurement, particularly aradiometric measurement system. As a bonus, the customer can then, ifneeded, release an order as quickly as possible.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes a method for determiningand presenting an optimized arrangement and assembling of a measurementsystem, or a measurement site, of an industrial process measurement-and/or process control-installation, which measurement system serves forthe measurement of at least one process variable or process parameterand which method runs with the help of at least a first electroniccomputer and a second electronic computer connected therewith comprisinga display-device, a processor-controlled data processing-device, and aninput-device, and includes the following steps:

a) Based on process-specific data, particularly those which have aninfluence on the process parameters measured by the measurement systemand transmitted from the second computer to and into the first computer,an optimized arrangement of the measurement system is calculated;

b) then a schematic drawing showing the optimized arrangement isproduced and presented on the display device of the second computer.

A preferred embodiment of the method of the invention concerns thedetermining and presenting of an optimized arrangement and assembling ofa radiometric measurement system at a container or pipe, whichmeasurement system serves for the measuring of at least onecharacterizing parameter of a medium contained in the container or pipe,which method proceeds with the help of the first electronic computer andthe second computer connected therewith and includes the followingsteps:

a) Based on container- or pipe-specific data, especially information onbasic shape and on position, diameter, wall thickness and/or materialsand on a measurement range to be expected, which are transmitted fromthe second computer to and into the first computer, an optimizedarrangement of at least one radiation source and at least one radiationdetector of the radiometric measurement system at or on the container orpipe is calculated;

b) then the radiation source, or sources, activity best suited for themeasurement or measurements is calculated;

c) then a schematic drawing showing the container or the pipe and theradiometric measurement system arrangement optimized therefor isproduced and presented on the display device of the second computer.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a linearizingcurve is additionally provided, which is valid for the special,optimized arrangement of the radiometric measurement system at thecontainer or pipe. This curve serves for correcting the measurementparameters measured with the one or more detectors.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, in a subsequent methodstep on the first computer using device-specific data in a databaseadministered from there, a selection of suitable devices or componentsfor a radiometric measurement system corresponding to the optimizedarrangement is established and compiled and subsequently transmitted tothe second computer and presented on its display device.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention concern the desired kind orkinds of measurements in the pipe or container; be it a measurement of afill level, a limit level or a density of the medium contained in thecontainer or pipe, or some combination of such measurements.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention concern the determining andpresenting of additional accessories for the radiometric measurementsystem, relevant calculations for at least one radiation protectioncontainer for the radiation source or sources or for at least oneradiation detector and/or for an empty container or an empty pipe forthe target.

Still other preferred embodiments of the invention deal with means andmethods for data transmission between the first and the second computersand in order that the second computer is a stand-alone computer or awork station of a network including other computers.

In still another preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, itis provided that a further determining and presenting of an optimizedarrangement and assembling of a radiometric measurement system at acontainer or pipe is carried out on the basis of another radiationsource or sources and the results are presented on the second computer.

Still another preferred embodiment of the invention concerns thedetermining and presenting of an optimized arrangement and assembling ofat least one pressure measurement system at a container or pipe, whichmeasurement system serves for measuring a pressure and/or a pressuredifference.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a suitable method fordetermining and presenting an optimized arrangement and assembling of ameasurement system of the industrial process measurement technology, forexample a fill level measurement system, especially a radiometricmeasurement system, at a container or pipe for measuring at least onecharacterizing parameter of a medium contained in the container or pipe,which method serves to determine and design the desired radiometricsystem in cooperation between the customer and the manufacturer. Forreasons of safety, a manufacturer can then contribute its know-how andits experience with such radiometric installations in direct contactwith the customer.

The special advantage of the invention is evident in that standard- andspecial-arrangements and designs of measurement systems of theindustrial measurement technology, for example fill level measurementsystems, especially radiometric measurement systems, can be carried outmore or less in dialog with, and by, non-experts. The method offers,moreover, the possibility of transmitting to the particular interestedparties or customers comprehensive information on the individualcomponents and relevant information on the safety of the particularradiometric installation, be it with regard to technical matters or withrespect to the applicable regulations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained and described in greater detail on the basisof the following drawings, which show as follows:

FIG. 1 a schematic drawing of an arrangement, including first and secondcomputers, for performing a method of the invention;

FIG. 2 a schematic drawing of a first arrangement of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a horizontal container;

FIG. 3 a schematic drawing of a second arrangement of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a conical, vertical container;

FIG. 4 a third arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a fill level of a medium in anessentially cylindrical, vertical container;

FIG. 5 a fourth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a fill level of a medium in anessentially cylindrical, vertical container;

FIG. 6 a fifth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a fill level of a medium in a pipe orhorizontal container;

FIG. 7 a, b Examples of linearizing curves for an arrangement of aradiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of a medium;

FIG. 8 a sixth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a limit level of a medium in anessentially cylindrical, vertical container;

FIG. 9 a seventh arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a limit level of a medium in anessentially conical, vertical container;

FIG. 10 an eighth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a limit level of a medium in ahorizontal container;

FIG. 11 a ninth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a density of a medium in a pipe;

FIG. 12 a tenth arrangement of a measurement site with a radiometricmeasurement system for determining a density of a medium in a pipe;

FIG. 13 a sketch of a radiation protection container with illustrationof the locational dosage levels;

FIG. 14 a, b an example of an embodiment of a method of the invention,in the form of a schematically drawn flow diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8 and 12 show various arrangements for radiometricmeasurement systems, which can serve for fill level, limit level ordensity measurements. These drawings of measurement sites are schematicand illustrate the most important characterizing parameters ofcontainers or pipes that are considered for the desired measurement inthe method of the invention. Additionally, this type of drawing issuited for showing an optimized arrangement and assembling of aradiometric measurement system at a container or pipe, as determined bythe method of the invention, in the form of a sketch on the displaydevice of the second computer.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an arrangement with first and secondcomputers 10 and 11, with which the method of the invention fordetermining and presenting an optimized arrangement and assembling of aradiometric measurement system 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120at a container 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 or a pipe 111, 121 (see inthis connection FIGS. 2-9 and 11, 12) is carried out. The first computer10 includes a processor-controlled data processing device (not describedin more detail here), as well as at least one mass storage device. Thesecond computer includes an electronic processor-controlled dataprocessing device 14, at least one mass storage device 15 and an inputdevice, which is preferably a keyboard 13. Of course, other inputdevices, such as e.g. pointing devices, can be connected for simplifyingoperation.

Connected to the first and second computers 10 and 11 are data exchangedevices 16, over which the two computers 10 and 11 can communicate withone another. The data exchange devices 16 include, in the case of awire-based connection, usually modems or adapters 17, which e.g. areconnected over a cable 18 with a usual, public or private datatransmission network, over which then an exchange of data between thetwo computers 10 and 11 takes place. The data transmission network canbe any network which uses electrical or optical conductors or includesradio transmission stretches or even any combination thereof, such ase.g. the known networks for the telephone network, for the power supplynetwork, for a network of optical conductor cables, for a televisioncable network or some other network, which also includes datatransmission stretches via satellite. In the case of the currentlyfrequently used mobile telephones, where the information transmissionfunctions wirelessly, corresponding adapters for wireless connections 19(shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1) are connected with the computers 10and 11, in order to enable communication in this way between thecomputers 10 and 11. These and other possibilities for connecting twocomputers even over major distances by means of public or privatenetworks are sufficiently well known. Both computers 10 and 11 canthemselves be stand-alone computers or workstations, which arethemselves part of a network.

FIG. 2 shows schematically a first arrangement 20 of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a horizontal container. This arrangement concerns ahorizontally arranged container 21, inside of which there is a mediumwhose fill level is to be determined. The radiometric measurement systemincludes a radiation detector 24 and a radiation source in a radiationprotection container 25, which are each placed laterally to thecontainer 21. Important characterizing parameters for determining anoptimized arrangement of the measurement system according to the methodof the invention are an inner diameter 22 and a wall thickness 23 of thecontainer 21. A measurement range 26, thus the range between the maximumand minimum fill height of the medium in the container 21, which is tobe measured with the radiometric measurement system, is shown using adimension line. This range is covered by the radiation detector 24.Preferably, the radiation detector 24 is aligned tangentially to thecontainer, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a second arrangement 30 of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a vertically erected, conical container 31. A radiationdetector 34 and a radiation source in a radiation protection container35 are each placed laterally to the container 31. Importantcharacterizing parameters for determining an optimized arrangement ofthe measurement system according to the method of the invention are aninner diameter 32 and a wall thickness 33 of the container 31, as wellas an angle α, with which the conicity, or conical character, of thecontainer can be taken into consideration. The measurement range 36, inwhich the fill level of the medium in the container 31 is to bemeasured, is illustrated by a dimension line. This range is covered bythe radiation detector 34, which preferably should be mounted parallelto the container wall.

FIG. 4 shows schematically a third arrangement 40 of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a vertically erected, cylindrical container 41. A radiationdetector 44 and a radiation source in a radiation protection container45 are each placed laterally to the container 41. Importantcharacterizing parameters for determining an optimized arrangement ofthe measurement system according to the method of the invention are aninner diameter 42 and a wall thickness 43 of the container 41. Themeasurement range 46, in which the fill level of the medium in thecontainer 41 is to be measured, is symbolized by a dimension line. Thisrange is covered by the radiation detector 44, which preferably shouldbe mounted parallel to the container wall.

FIG. 5 shows schematically a fourth arrangement 50 of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of amedium in a vertically erected, cylindrical container 51. In thisapplication, due to a relatively large measurement range 56, a total ofthree radiation detectors 54 a, b, c and three radiation sources inradiation protection containers 55 a, b, c are used, since one radiationdetector is not sufficient to cover and register the entire measurementrange. Similar considerations hold for the radiation sources in theradiation protection containers 55 a, b, c. Since, for reasons ofsafety, only a defined angular aperture is permitted in the radiationprotection containers for the emerging radioactive radiation, usually upto about 40°, a plurality of radiation sources and radiation protectioncontainers is used when the measurement range is extended, as shownhere. They are likewise placed in the same way that the radiationdetectors 54 a, b, c are each placed, i.e. laterally to the container51. Important characterizing parameters for determining an optimizedarrangement of the measurement system according to the method of theinvention are an inner diameter 52 and a wall thickness 53 of thecontainer 51. The measurement range 56, in which the fill level of themedium in the container 51 is to be measured, is illustrated by adimension line. The radiation detectors 54 a, b, c are preferablymounted parallel to the container wall.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth arrangement 60 of a measurement site with aradiometric measurement system for determining a fill level of a mediumin a horizontal container 61. Here, two radiation detectors 64 a, b andone radiation source in a radiation protection container 65 are placedlaterally to the container 61. For horizontal containers of largediameter, the measurement range for fill level measurement can be sostretched out, that it can only be registered by a radiation detectorwhose length matches the diameter of the container. For various reasons,such a long radiation detector is, however, not always desired. On theone hand, it is unwieldy and its mounting inconvenient, while on theother hand, its end regions are quite far removed from the container,which can influence the measurement unfavorably. It is expedient in suchcases, instead of one very long radiation detector, to use a pluralityof shorter ones, which, because of their shortness, let themselves beplaced better and more effectively on the container.

Important characterizing parameters for determining an optimizedarrangement of the measurement system according to the method of theinvention are an inner diameter 62 and a wall thickness 63 of thecontainer 61 and the center-to-center spacings 67, 68, which determinethe position of the radiation protection container 65. The measurementrange 66, in which the fill level of the medium in the container 61 isto be measured, is illustrated by a dimension line.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are two examples of linearizing curves 100 and 101.These linearizing curves show for fill level measurements withradiometric measurement systems a relative fill level 102, 103 in % as afunction of a standardized, measured radiometric signal 104, 105, whichis given here for the examples of oblong or cylindrical detectors, ordetector housing, as a standardized pulse rate over the measurementrange. The standardized pulse rate is thus largest, when there is nomedium in the container, i.e. in the measurement range, to damp theradioactive radiation. When the fill level 100% occurs, medium ispresent in the entire measurement range in the container, so that thedamping of the radioactive measurement signal is greatest and thestandardized pulse rate is zero.

The linearizing curves 100, 101 in the FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate twodifferent arrangements of the above-presented radiometric measurementsystems. FIG. 7 a is an example of one such linearizing curve 100, whichis obtained in the case of a measurement system which includes aradiation source and a single detector. The linearizing curve 101 ofFIG. 7 b gives an example for a measurement system, which includes aradiation source and two detectors. The linearizing curve 101 iscomposed, consequently of two curve sections, one section for each ofthe two detectors. A dividing line 106 is shown in FIG. 7 b to indicatethis.

FIG. 8 shows schematically a sixth arrangement 70 of a measurement sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a limit level of amedium in a vertically erected, cylindrical region of a container 71. Aradiation detector 74 and a radiation source in a radiation protectioncontainer 75 are each placed laterally to the container 71. Importantcharacterizing parameters for determining an optimized arrangement ofthe measurement system according to the method of the invention are aninner diameter 72 and a wall thickness 73 of the container 71. The limitlevel 76 to be registered for the medium in the container 71 issymbolized by a dotted line. In the case of loose material as the mediumin the container 71, the determining of the limit level must still takeinto account the vertical allowed extension 77 of a heaping cone abovethe limit level. The radiation detector 74 is preferably placed suchthat it lies in the desired plane of the limit level to be measured.

FIG. 9 shows schematically a seventh arrangement 80 of a measurementsite with a radiometric measurement system for determining a limit levelof a medium in a vertically erected, conical region of a container 81. Aradiation detector 84 and a radiation source in a radiation protectioncontainer 85 are each placed laterally to the container 81. Importantcharacterizing parameters for determining an optimized arrangement ofthe measurement system according to the method of the invention are aninner diameter 82 and a wall thickness 83 of the container 81, as wellas an angle β, with which the conicity of the container 81 can be takeninto consideration. The limit level 86 to be measured for the medium inthe container 81 is symbolized by a dashed line. In the case of loosematerial as the medium in the container 81, the determining of the limitlevel must take into account the vertical allowed extension of a heapingcone above the limit level.

FIG. 10 shows schematically an eighth arrangement 90 of a measurementsite with a radiometric measuring system for determining a limit levelof a medium in a horizontal container 91. This arrangement concerns ahorizontally arranged container 91, with the medium in the interior ofthe container. The drawing has been done such that the limit level aboutcorresponds to the plane of the drawing. FIG. 10 is essentially like atop view of the container shown in FIG. 8, where, however, in contrastto FIG. 10, an undisturbed radiation passage is illustrated.

The radiometric measurement system of FIG. 10 includes a radiationdetector 94 and a radiation source in a radiation protection container95, each placed laterally to container 91. The special applicationillustrated here concerns a container 91, which exhibits in its interiora here schematically drawn container installation 97 a (e.g. a stirrer,an input pipe or a shaft of a stirrer). Important characterizingparameters for determining an optimized arrangement of the measurementsystem according to the method of the invention are, consequently, alongwith data on the inner diameter 92 and the wall thickness 93 of thecontainer 91, also data on the installation 97 a, for example on adiameter 97 b, when it concerns, as depicted here, an installation 97 aof circular cross section. It is important for the method of theinvention that such data be present, with which that position of theradiation protection container can be established, at which an optimumradiation passage, undisturbed by installations in the container, isobtained. The position of the radiation protection container 95 relativeto the container is then described by specifications for thecenter-to-center spacings 98 a, b.

FIG. 11 shows schematically a ninth arrangement 110 of a measuring sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a density of amedium located in a pipe 111. The radiometric measurement systemincludes a radiation detector 114 and a radiation source in a radiationprotection container 115, which are each placed laterally to pipe 111.Important characterizing parameters for determining an optimizedarrangement of the measurement system according to the method of theinvention are an inner diameter 112 and a wall thickness 113 of the pipe111. The radiation detector 114 is preferably placed parallel to thepipe 111.

FIG. 12 shows schematically a tenth arrangement 120 of a measuring sitewith a radiometric measurement system for determining a density of amedium located in a pipe 121. The radiometric measurement systemincludes a radiation detector 122 and a radiation source in a radiationprotection container 123, which are each placed laterally to pipe 121.In some cases, it is required, as shown here, to enlarge the path 124,which the radioactive radiation must take in pipe 121 through the mediumto be measured and/or in the radiation detector. The simplestpossibility is to not orient the radiation detector 122 perpendicular orparallel to the pipe, but, instead at an angle γ, as shown in FIG. 12.This permits achievement of a better resolution for density changes.Other important characterizing parameters for determining an optimizedarrangement of the measurement system according to the method of theinvention are an inner diameter 125 and a wall thickness 126 of the pipe121.

The schematic drawing of a radiation protection container 130 in FIG. 13illustrates radiation protection- and safety-relevant, characterizingparameters that serve for calculating locational dosage levels for andat various distances from the container. In some countries,corresponding regulations are to be followed, which require suchcalculations and data for permitting procedures for radiometricinstallations, wherein the allowable maximum values are to be maintainedin the various zones around the radiation protection container.Important characterizing parameters for calculating according to themethod of the invention are thus, along with data on the radiationsource being used, e.g. an inner diameter 131 and an outer diameter 132of the container 130, as they are shown in FIG. 13. There, the outletfor the radiation during measurement operation is labeled “133”.

For purposes of simplification, the embodiments of a radiometricmeasurement system shown here picture straight or rod-shaped radiationdetectors. It is, however, clear for one skilled in the art that, withthe method of the invention, other optimized arrangements of radiometricmeasurement systems, that e.g. include curved or plate-shaped radiationdetectors, can be determined and presented.

How such a determining and presenting of a radiometric measurementsystem is done according to the invention is explained in the followingwith reference to FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, which illustrate an example of anadvantageous and preferred method using a flow diagram. Since, forpurposes of clarity, the flow diagram extends over two figures,connection and junction points are illustrated by encircled letters Aand B.

The method for determining and presenting an optimized arrangement andassembling of a radiometric measurement system according to theinvention proceeds, for example, with the assistance of an arrangementas shown in FIG. 1, wherein, for reasons of a simplified drawing, thefirst electronic computer 10 (see FIG. 1 and above in the descriptionthereof) is to be associated with a manufacturer and/or supplier of suchradiometric measurement systems. The second computer 11 is usually to befound with a customer interested in a radiometric measurement system oralso e.g. with an installations planner, an engineering firm or anotherconsultant, which does planning and even procurement of such radiometricmeasurement systems. Of course, the method of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 14 a and 14 b is not limited to the two exemplary computers 10and 11, but rather it is suited also for use with several, or further,computers entering into connection with the first computer 10. Forsimplification, the following explanation is limited to theconstellation shown in FIG. 1; the method works with further computerscorrespondingly.

First, a customer, a user or another person, that is interested in aradiometric measurement system, produces a connection 151 from itssecond computer 11 to the first computer 10, which, for example, is witha manufacturer or supplier of radiometric measurement systems. Such aconnection of two or more computers with one another is usually producedover a network for long-distance data transmission, for example awire-based or wireless telephone network, in which case it is known, perse, to dial the desired connecting computer directly over the telephonenetwork or to create an Internet connection.

After a stable connection has been established between the first andsecond computers 10, 11, the first computer 10 transmits to the secondcomputer 11 a greeting- or opening-screen 152, which is displayed on themonitor 12 of the second computer 11. With this opening-screen 152, withwhich the manufacturer, for example, introduces its company and itsproducts or the services which it offers, the customer is prompted tochoose a measurement procedure which it desires, be it e.g. a pressure-,a flow-, a fill level- and/or another procedure of the field of processmeasurement technology and to indicate a choice with the input device 13(see FIG. 1). When the customer has made its choice 153, it sends thisto the first computer 10 (see “154”), where, according to the method ofthe invention, a check 155 is made, whether the customer has chosen aradiometric procedure.

If the customer chooses something other than a radiometric procedure,then a method step suitable for this other measurement procedure 156follows. Since, however, this relates to something other than thesubject matter of this invention, such is not investigated further here.

In the case where the customer has decided for a radiometric procedure,the first computer 10 transmits to the second computer 11 a selectionscreen 157, which lists, and also might define, the various, offeredradiometric measurement procedures, e.g. fill level- , limit level- ordensity-measurement procedures. Additionally, the customer is promptedto choose one of the radiometric measurement procedures shown on themonitor and to send the choice 158 to the first computer 10 (see “159”).Then there follows, according to the method of the invention, a checking160, 163, 164, to determine which of the radiometric procedures thecustomer has chosen.

If the customer has selected a radiometric procedure for fill levelmeasurement, then the first computer 10 sends to the second computer 11a questionnaire screen 168, in which the customer is asked for data onthe position and location of the container. Especially asked is whetherthis concerns a horizontally or vertically arranged, cylindricalcontainer (see in this connection the similar arrangements of FIGS. 2, 4and 5) and whether it has a conical form (see in this connection thesimilar arrangement of FIG. 3) in the measurement range of interest. Ifthe latter is the case, the first computer 10 preferably sends a sketch169 of an arrangement of a measurement system, as drawn in FIG. 3, forexample, and by means of this, the different characterizing parametersof the measurement system are illustrated for the customer. These are,for the case of the conical container 31 of FIG. 3, particularly theinner diameter 32 and the wall thickness 33 of the container 31, as wellas an angle α with which the conicity of the container can be taken intoconsideration, and the measurement range 36, in which the fill level ofthe medium in the container 31 is to be measured.

If the customer has chosen a procedure for fill level measurement in ahorizontally arranged, cylindrical container, then the first computer 10sends to the second computer 11 the questionnaire screen 168 with asketched arrangement similar to that in FIG. 2, illustrating for thecustomer for data on the different characterizing parameters of themeasurement system. These are, in the case of the horizontally arrangedcontainer 21 of FIG. 2, particularly an inner diameter 22 and a wallthickness 23 of the container 21, as well as the measurement range 26.

If the customer has chosen a procedure for fill level measurement in avertically arranged, cylindrical container, then the first computer 10sends to the second computer 11 the questionnaire screen 168 with asketched arrangement similar to that in FIG. 4, illustrating for thecustomer for data on the different characterizing parameters of themeasurement system. These are, in the case of the vertically arrangedcontainer 41 of FIG. 4, particularly an inner diameter 42 and a wallthickness 43 of the container 41, as well as the measurement range 46.

In case the customer has chosen a radiometric procedure for limit levelmeasurement, then the first computer 10 sends to the second computer 11a questionnaire screen 168, in which the customer is asked for data onposition and location of the container. In particular, asked in thiscase are whether it concerns a cylindrical container 71, 91 (see in thisconnection the similar arrangements of FIGS. 8, 10) and whether thecontainer 81 (see in this connection the similar arrangement of FIG. 9)exhibits a conical shape. The first computer 10 sends for this purposepreferably a sketch 168 of an arrangement of a measurement system asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 7, 8 or 9 and by such means thedifferent characterizing parameters of the measurement system areillustrated for the customer. Especially, these are (see in thisconnection FIG. 9) the inner diameter 82 and the wall thickness 83 ofthe container 81, as well as an angle β, with which the conicity of thecontainer 81 can be taken into consideration. The limit level 86 to beregistered for the medium in the container 81 is symbolized by a dashedline. In the case of loose material as the medium in container 81, thedetermining of the limit level must take into account the verticalallowed extension of a heaping cone above the limit level.

In the case where the customer has chosen a density measurement, whichis performed frequently in the case of streaming or flowing media inpipes, the first computer 10 sends to the second computer 11 thequestionnaire screen 168, in which is customer is asked for data onposition and location of the pipe 111 (see FIG. 11). The first computer10 sends for this purpose preferably a sketch 168 of an arrangement of ameasurement system, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 11, in order toillustrate for the customer the different characterizing parameters ofthe measurement system, such as e.g. an inner diameter 112 and a wallthickness 113 of the pipe 111.

In all the described questionnaire screens 168, a radioactivepreparation, e.g. with an isotope cesium 137, usual for the chosenarrangement is suggested to the customer. The customer is, however,given the chance to choose another isotope, e.g. cobalt 60, from a listof alternative suggestions.

Should the customer select none of the mentioned radiometric proceduresfor fill level-, limit level- or density-measurement, then it probablyconcerns a special, different kind of inquiry 165, which is notdiscussed further here, because it does not relate to the subject matterof the present invention.

If the customer has entered the desired data on the particularcontainers, on the pipe and perhaps even for the medium and isotope, orpreparation, on the questionnaire screen 166, these data 167 aretransmitted to the first computer 10.

On the first computer 10, an optimized arrangement of the radiometricmeasurement system at or on the container or pipe is then calculated onthe basis of the container- or pipe-specific data received from thesecond computer for the selected measurement procedure.

From the various data and/or pattern arrangements of differentradioactive preparations, radiation protection containers and detectorsof the most varied type, size and shape, the best suited combinationsare sought out for the characterizing parameters transmitted from thecustomer, wherein perhaps already previously developed and/orpractice-proven arrangements can be taken into consideration. Anespecially important aspect for the determining and designing thecustomer-specific radiometric measurement system regards determining theactivity of the radiation source, or sources, best for the measurementor measurements.

Among other things, it is determined (see “170” in FIG. 14 b) in detailand with attention to the radiation-sources, -containers and -detectorsobtainable from a manufacturer or in the market from variousmanufacturers, whether a single radiation source 25, 35, 45 and a singledetector 24, 34, 44 is sufficient for the customer-specific radiometricmeasurement system and the given measurement range 26, 36, 46 (see FIGS.2, 3, 4) or whether several detectors 54 a-c or 64 a, b (see in thisconnection FIGS. 5 and 6) and several radiation sources 55 a-c (see inthis connection FIG. 5) are needed for the desired measuring.

After the sufficient (and required) number of radiation sources anddetectors has been determined, the spacings of the radiation sources anddetectors, needed from the technical and safety points of view andfitting possible wishes of the customer, are determined and thegeometric arrangement at the particular container or pipe fixed. Withall these data a sketch 171 is then produced, which e.g. looks like oneof the drawings of FIGS. 2 to 5 or 8 to 12, but now also contains alldetermined characterizing data for the particular arrangement. Thecomplete sketch 171 of the invention produced on the first computer 10is, as illustrated by “172”, transmitted to the second computer 11,thus, for example, to the customer, where it is displayed on the monitor12 there (see FIG. 1).

For the case of designing a radiometric measurement system for filllevel measurements (see FIGS. 2 to 5), the available data isadvantageously used to determine a linearizing curve, similar to that ofFIG. 7 a or FIG. 7 b, for the desired arrangement and likewisetransmitted to the second computer and shown there.

In the case of design of a radiometric measurement system for a densitymeasurement (see FIGS. 11, 12), the available information is preferablyused to determine values on the first computer 10 to help the user tocalculate possible fluctuations of the measurement values in the densitymeasurement due to concentration changes in the medium. These values 173are transmitted to the second computer 11 e.g. in the form of curves ortables.

In again other cases, it is helpful for the customer to have informationon the distribution of the locational dosage levels around the radiationprotection container or containers of the above-described radiometricmeasurement systems. Also such a calculation is, if necessary, performedon the first computer 10 in the context of the method of the inventionand transmitted to the second computer 11 in the form of a sketch likethe drawing of FIG. 13. In this connection, for example, the locationaldosage levels, e.g. in μSv/h, are given for an essentially sphericalsurface with the inner diameter 131 and for a corresponding essentiallyspherical surface with the outer diameter 132 around the radiationprotection container 130.

The customer will then review the data and drawings 172, 173 transmittedfrom the first computer 10 for the design and arrangement determinedaccording to the invention for the desired radiometric system (see inthis connection “174” in FIG. 14 b). If the customer is in agreement,such is reported to the first computer.

Should the proposal with data and drawings 172, 173 transmitted from thefirst computer 10 not find the approval of the customer, then thecustomer will report its desired changes 175. Next a new calculationtakes place on the first computer 10 for determining and designing thecustomer-specific radiometric measurement system, which process flowsessentially as above, however using the altered characterizingparameters. These possibilities for changing the arrangement can becarried out repeatedly, until the customer declares its agreement withan arrangement of the measurement system calculated and determined onthe first computer 10. Should, however, there be special need for acalculation and design of a very specific and extraordinary radiometricmeasurement system, the method of the invention offers also thepossibility to have a custom calculation and design carried out by anexpert (see “176” in FIG. 14 b). The measurement system determined bythis expert is developed corresponding to the above-described flow ofmethod steps and transmitted to the customer on the second computer 11.

When the first computer 10 has received the approval of the customerwith the determined radiometric measurement system, then the availablerelevant purchase data on individual components of the measurementsystem, such as e.g. order-no. and prices for the detector, radiationprotection container, etc., to be installed, is used to produce acomprehensive offer 177 for a complete measurement system, and such istransmitted, together with sales and legally relevant deliveryconditions, to the second computer 11 and displayed there.

If the customer, following review 178, accepts this offer, then itissues, if necessary, the order 179, which then can be processed andsettled in any form 180, for example by facsimile, letter or also withinthe framework of a so-called E-commerce action.

Should the customer not be in agreement with the offer transmitted tothe second computer and produced according to the invention, then hereports his change requests 181 to the first computer 10, so that then anew offer 177 can be produced there according to the above-describedflow, and, in fact, as often as necessary until the customer declaresits approval and issues the order 179, 180.

The above-described embodiments of the method of the invention concernthose kinds of methods, in which container-, pipe- and media-specificdata or characterizing data are entered by a user or customer and aretransmitted to the first computer 10. It is, however, possible withinthe scope of the invention that the user or customer can selectcontainer-, pipe- and media-specific data or characterizing data fromone or more databases present in the first computer and that these dataare used in the determining and presenting of an optimized design andarrangement of the radiometric measurement system according to theinvention.

In order to keep such database or databases up to date, it makes sense,for the cases where the user or customer has no data to use from alreadypresent databases, but, instead, would itself enter missing container-,pipe- and media-specific data or characterizing data, that the databasesbe provided with these new data first.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the method for determining andpresenting an optimized design and arrangement of the radiometricmeasurement system be part of a more comprehensive method fordetermining and presenting optimized arrangements of various othermeasurement systems of an industrial production plant within theframework of a project management. This more comprehensive method canproceed, in principle, in manner similar to that used for theradiometric method.

1. A method for determining and presenting an optimized arrangement andassembly of a radiometric measurement system or measurement site of anindustrial process measurement-and/or process control installation,which measurement system serves for measuring at least one processvariable or process parameter and which method proceeds with the aid ofat least one first electronic computer and a second electronic computerconnected therewith, which second electronic computer includes adisplay-, a processor-controlled data processing-, and an input-device,the method including the steps of: calculating an optimized arrangementof the measurement system on the basis of process-specific data,especially such that have an influence on the process parameter measuredby the measurement system, that are transmitted from the second computerto and into the first computer; producing a schematic drawing presentingthe arrangement of the measurement system optimized therefor and suchdrawing is presented on the display-device of the second computer;calculating an optimized arrangement of at least one radiation sourceand at least one radiation detector of the radiometric measurementsystem at or on the container or pipe, with the aid of container- orpipe-specific data, especially data on the basic form and on position,diameter, wall thickness and/or materials and on a measurement range tobe expected, which are transmitted from the second computer to and intothe first computer; calculating the activity of the radiation source orradiation sources best suited for the measuring or measurings; andproducing a schematic drawing presenting the container or the pipe andthe arrangement of the radiometric measurement system optimized thereforand presenting it on the display-device of the second computer.
 2. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of: producingadditionally a linearizing curve and/or a linearizing table servicingfor evaluating the measurement parameters measured with the detector ordetectors for the special, optimized arrangement of the radiometricmeasurement system at the container or pipe.
 3. The method as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising the step of: stabilizing a selection ofsuited devices or components for a radiometric measurement systemcorresponding to the optimized arrangement and compiled on the firstcomputer with the aid of device-specific data in a database administeredfrom there, said selection is subsequently transmitted to the secondcomputer and displayed on its display device.
 4. The method as claimedin claim 1, in which an optimized arrangement of a radiometricmeasurement system for measuring a fill level of the medium contained inthe container is determined and presented.
 5. The method as claimed inclaim 4, in which an optimized arrangement of a radiometric measurementsystem for any combination of measurings of limit level, density and/orfill level of the medium is determined and presented.
 6. The method asclaimed in claim 1, in which an optimized arrangement of a radiometricmeasurement system for measuring a density of the medium contained inthe pipe is determined and presented.
 7. The method as claimed in claim1, in which an optimized arrangement of a radiometric measurement systemfor measuring a limit level of the medium contained in the container isdetermined and presented.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, in whichadditional accessories for the radiometric measurement system aredetermined and presented.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 1, in whichradiation protection-relevant calculations are performed and presentedfor at least one radiation protection container for the radiation sourceor sources.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which radiationprotection-relevant calculations for at least one radiation detector areperformed and presented.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1, in whichradiation protection-relevant calculations are performed and presentedfor an empty container or an empty pipe.
 12. The method as claimed inclaim 1, in which the first and the second computers are connected withone another by means of at least one data exchange device and/or over acable connection.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which thefirst and the second computers are connected with one anothercablelessly over at least one data exchange device.
 14. The method asclaimed in claim 1, in which at least one of the two computers is astand-alone computer or a work station of a network including othercomputers.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which the dataexchange device is a modem and/or another adapter for wirelessconnection with the telephone network.
 16. The method as claimed inclaim 1, in which a further determining and presenting of an optimizedarrangement and assembly of a radiometric measurement system at acontainer or pipe is performed on the basis of another radiation sourceor other radiation sources and/or other detectors and the results arepresented on the second computer.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein specific data on the first computer present in the form of adatabase on media are used.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17,wherein the databases are updated after every determining and presentingof an optimized arrangement of a radiometric measurement system by newlyentered data on container, pipe and/or medium.
 19. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein specific data on the first computer present in theform of a database on materials for container- or pipe-walls are used.20. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is partof a more inclusive method for determining and presenting optimizedarrangements of measurement systems of an industrial production plantwithin the framework of a project management.
 21. The method as claimedin claim 1 for determining and presenting an optimized arrangement andassembly of at least one pressure measurement system at a container orpipe, which measurement system serves for measuring a pressure and/or adifference pressure.